Detail
Introducing the Alchemy E.L.F. (Extra Light Front) front hub from Alchemy Wheelworks. While the E.L.F isn't the lightest hub on the market (64g) when considering strength to weight it does perhaps build one of the best wheels available. The E.L.F is able to achieve this through several innovations and features.
Most significantly is it's use of a 6900 series bearing in place of the common 6800 series found in most front hubs. The 6900's important difference lies in the thicker cross section and use of larger balls than traditional 6800 series bearings. The consequence of the stouter bearing is an increased load capacity. (See the load capacity chart at the bottom for a comparison against common light-weight hubs).
The E.L.F's hub flanges are angled at 6 degrees with a flange width of 82mm, allowing for a stiffer and stronger build. In hub flanges, wider is better for strength, with a slight aerodynamic sacrifice. To further increase wheel strength, the 6900 bearings are spaced further out than in traditional hub designs. Alchemy sites this design as virtually eliminating axle bowing and flex by reducing the the dropout to bearing distance 8-13mm compared to common designs. The resulting performance characteristics are increased bearing life and increased lateral stiffness of the wheel.
Free Ceramic Bearing Installation on New Hubs
We'll install all Alchemy Ceramic Upgrade Kits purchased with an ELF or ORC hub free of charge before shipping. This way you can make sure that your bearings are properly installed and you'll receive all the performance benefits of ceramic bearing upgrades. Make sure to drop us a note on your order letting us know you'd like your bearings installed.
Assembly
We recommend that Alchemy hubs be built by an experienced wheelbuilder. We are happy to provide this service, and can provide helpful suggestions in rim and spoke selections. Please contact us directly or submit a form for a custom wheelbuild here.
